Sign up for the royal hammam experience at award winning Talise Ottoman Spa at luxurious Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel on the Palm in Dubai.

Opulent, grand, royal, lavish…. I am short on words to describe this ultimate spa sensory journey of true majesty and grandeur.

I am invited to try their signature treatment Royal Ottoman Hammam on a quiet, sunny Sunday afternoon in March, when temperatures in Dubai are just lovely.

Instant princess feeling guaranteed

I enter the vast carved doors to the grand hotel lobby and walk along the golden corridor towards the palatial spa. Instant princess feeling guaranteed.

On check-in at the spa reception, I am invited to a refreshment in a quiet corner. Whilst I sip my refreshment and nibble on dates and nuts, I observe people through large glass windows working out in the spa’s gym.

After I have been given the time to arrive, relax, refresh, and to fill in my consultation form, the lovely receptionist gives me the spa tour of the ladies’ spa and hammam:

From the shower and changing rooms on the ground floor, she shows me around

a lovely little outdoor courtyard with four cabanas

the stunning indoor salt water Thalassotherapy swimming pool

a snow room (much appreciated in the typical heat of Dubai summers)

lifestyle showers, sauna and steam rooms

relaxation areas

and the palatial Turkish bath area ‘Majilis’ for an authentic hammam (also hamam) experience like no other.

outdoor cabana

Over a staircase or lift, guests booked for on the comprehensive array of beauty, massage and body treatments can access a second floor with

eleven private rooms with shower

Thai massage suites

Double treatment suite with private sauna and soak tub

a large relaxation room

and a specialised slimming room.

changing area

A true spa sensory journey

When left to myself in the changing area, I can’t wait to slip into my robe and start exploring. Since I love swimming and particularly in salt water pools, I head for a dip first. The water has a lovely comfortable temperature and I have this large pool all to myself. What a treat looking at the bamboo in the courtyard softly swaying in the wind whilst the warm salt water is gently caressing my skin. How beautiful the light reflects in all colours through the tinted glass windows above.

Already I feel totally relaxed and de-stressed in this out-of-the-real-world haven of peace.

I proceed to the heated stone loungers to take a little nap. When waking up, I get myself some fresh air in the courtyard. The day is windy and I love the rustling of the leaves which totally uplifts my body and mind.

As time gets closer to my hammam appointment, I enter the Royal Majilis area.

It is an equivalent to, and mix of, the traditional sogugkluk, a vestarium to dress, relax, or nap in a private cubicle; and the iliklik, the warm room not much unlike a tepidarium, between the hot and cold areas to adjust to the heat. If you are interested in the history of the Turkish Bath, read more here.

The centre piece of this area is the Jacuzzi under a beautifully decorated dome.

I take further refreshments, relax in one of the private cubicles and all too soon my hammam master arrives to pick me up for my experience.

I am breathless for a moment

By entering the sicaklik or hot room, in which the ‘washing’ takes place, I hold my breath for a moment. This spectacular room is majestic. Built from white marble and exquisitely decorated with dark woods. Grand with its high ceiling ornamented dome, the mosaic tiled kurnas and shiny metal tas.

Someone has prepared the centre dark marble piece gobek tasi for one guest only, me… I realise I am going to enjoy this all by myself, which makes me feel very honoured and humble.

My service provider is a beautiful and giving soul, a lady of about my own age from Turkey. Later on I learn that she solely performs hammam treatments. No wonder she is an absolute expert maven.

dome over marble centre piece in the hammam

I love her way of communicating with me in single words or short sentences in English, which are very hospitable and friendly in their charming abruptness.

Her practised hand movements and timely instructions make me totally surrender to her. I somehow – and in a good way – feel like a spoiled 4 year old being cared for by a beloved one.

Delicate aromas escort me

The warm glow from the marble stone makes me a little sleepy. I inhale the delicate aromas during my kese body polish. My hammam master walks back and forth to collect bowl and jugs full of warm water that she endlessly pours over me.

After the vigorous scrub, I receive my soap foam massage for which large amounts of foam are produced.

Eventually my hammam master invites me to sit next to the water fountain in the nearest cubicle to massage my scalp and shampoo my hair. Leaving in the hair conditioner, she applies a honey mask all over my body to revitalise my skin’s complexion.

Before by way of more water pouring all product is removed from my hair and skin, I lie on the marble stone again for a final relaxation.

Yet my hammam master will not let me go just yet before slipping a little arm bracelet over my wrist. I is made from a turquise colour string with a little Turkish eye to bring me luck, peace and happiness. What a beautiful farewell gift.

I cannot describe in words how clean, and beautiful, and cared for I felt after these precious 60 minutes when left in a private relaxation cubicle outside. I still feel like the loved child when I am wrapped up in dry towels and blankets and given more refreshments.

Happiness can always be recollected in tranquility

I do not always need all of these seemingly limitless luxurious ways to treat myself which I have found in this spa. Happiness can always be recollected in tranquility. Anywhere where tranquility is found.

But sometimes a girl needs to spoil herself beyond reason in an indulging luxurious way. And Talise Ottoman Spa is so the right spot for a royal spa sensory journey!